The physical and mental competency to stand trial of a former Miami insurance executive is before a federal judge in one of Florida's biggest fraud cases. A hearing Wednesday concerns 63-year-old Joel Steinger's claims that his great physical pain requires drugs that cloud his mental abilities.

DCF SEEKING MORE FOSTER PARENTS TO MEET 1,200 GOAL

Florida child welfare officials say they have recruited nearly 1,200 new foster parents in the past fiscal year. Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins said the recruitment goal is part of a statewide effort to not only increase the quantity of foster parents, but to find more qualified ones, as well.

KEY FIGURE IN MIAMI NCAA PROBE CLAIMS PERJURY

The key figure in the NCAA investigation into the University of Miami is claiming he committed perjury when testifying in an unrelated fraud case. The attorney for a man convicted of check-cashing fraud said in court papers Tuesday that Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro told a federal judge in a letter that he gave false testimony during the trial. That man's lawyers are now seeking a new trial.

LIGHTNING STRIKES WOMAN ON TAMPA BAY-AREA BEACH

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office says Phyllis Kalinowski of Brandon was visiting Belleair Beach with a friend Tuesday evening. The women separated shortly before a heavy thunderstorm rolled through the area. After the storm, Kalinowski was found lying on the beach shoreline ``with injuries indicative of a lightning strike.'' She died at the scene.

GUINNESS INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP

Organizers are holding a press conference Wednesday to announce details of a one-of-a-kind soccer tournament in Miami in August that will feature top club teams from across the world.